A/34/PV.116 General Assembly

Yesterday {//4th and 115th meetings] the General Assembly had the opportunity of addressing itself to the problem facing us as a result of the non-election so far of the remaining nonpermanent member of the Security Council. Further to the statement which I made in the Assembly [/14th meeting], the representative of Austria introduced a draft resolution [4/34/L.66]. Amendments to that draft resolution were introduced in documents A/34/L.67 and A/34/L.68. In the course of the ensuing discussions, several representatives expressed their views on the various aspects of the problem, and some of them outlined possible options before the Assembly which could, in their view, help to resolve the present impasse. ms After the adjournment of the meeting yesterday evening, I held a series of consultations with a number of delegations, particularly those which had presented specific proposals. I continued those consultations this morning, and that is why this meeting of the Assembly has been delayed. 3. Arising from those consultations and from the statements made by those delegations which have taken part in the current discussions, it appears clear that the Assembly has become even more emphatically aware of the seriousness of its responsibility in this regard and of the unprecedented nature of the problem that confronts us. It is equally clear that while we are all agreed on the essential message emanating from the proposal made by the delegation of Austria —namely, a strong appeal to all the Member States to try to do their utmost to solve the problem—there seem to be some differences of views concerning how best to proceed with the draft resolution before us and the amendments thereto. our efforts to find a solution is clear and is not contested by any delegation, I wish to utilize this opportunity to launch once again a most urgent appeal to all delegations to do their utmost to enable the Assembly to discharge its responsibility under the Charter. For my part, I shall continue also, through the process of consultations, to do my utmost to impress upon all concerned the need to help in facilitating a solution. 5. Itis my understanding that the delegation of Austria is not pressing its draft resolution to a vote. I should like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to the delegation of Austria for its important initiative, which, lam convinced, was motivated solely by the objective of helping the Assembly to overcome the present deadlock. I should also like to thank all those who have made contributions, either through formal proposals or through their statements, with the same objective in mind. 6. Finally, as I said in my opening statement yesterday morning, the ultimate responsibility for finalizing this question rests with the General Assembly itself, and the rules of procedure for arriving at that decision are clear to me, as they are to every Member State. We shall therefore continue the balloting on Monday morning, 31 December, and we shall go on balloting as long as is necessary. In the meantime, I earnestly hope that members will make use of what remains of the weekend to reflect seriously on the problem in order to help the Assembly to discharge its responsibility. 7. Ishould mention that I have discussed this matter extensively with the Secretary-General, who joins me in my appeal to all Member States to do everything possible to ensure that the Assembly fulfils its responsibility under the Charter. 8. I would add that some delegations have raised the question whether the balloting could not be resumed today. I wish to make it clear that my intention in suggesting that this morning’s meeting be adjourned without any balloting taking place is to ensure that no impression be given that our discussion this morning was involved in the actual voting process. I am quite prepared, however, to schedule a plenary meeting for 3 p.m. today to resume the balloting, if that is the desire of members of the Assembly. Alternatively, we can, in conformity with what I have already suggested in this statement, adjourn until 10.30 a.m. on Monday, and continue the balloting as long as is necessary. 9. Since no delegation has indicated a desire that the Assembly should meet this afternoon, I take it that it is agreed that we should convene at 10.30 a.m. on Monday to proceed with the balloting. The meeting rose at 12.55 p.m.